Effect of Radiation on Human Heredity: Report of a Study Group Convened by WHO, Together with Papers Presented by Various Members of the Group (review)

Effect ofRadiation on Human Heredity: Report ofa Study Group Convened by WHO, Together with Papers Presented by Various Members ofthe Group. Palais de Nations, Geneva: World Health Organization, 1957. Pp. 167. $4.00. Two national committees have previously reported on the effects ofionizing radiation on man. The aim ofWHO was to obtain for this report "the opinion ofauthorities on genetics from countries other than those whose national committees have already stated their news" and "the opinions of a number of experts on an aspect relatively lightly touched upon in the national reports—namely the lines ofresearch which should be followed , in the light of present knowledge, to increase our understanding of the genetic effects ofionizing radiation on man." Among the participants ofthe study group who were not contributors to the two previously published national reports were representatives from Brazil, India, Italy, Canada, France, Northern Ireland, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. The conclusions ofthe study group relative to dosages received and dosages that should be permitted agree very closely with those already published by the national reports. One previously unreported item ofconsiderable interest is that "the highest dose to the gonads caused by natural radiations in areas with a large population seems to exist in Travancore, India, on ground containing monazite sand (possibly ofthe order ofbetween 10 and 20 r per individual in 30 years)." The study group recommends especially that all countries record and register the natural and artificial radiations to which individuals and populations are exposed. This recommendation seems an excellent one and should be taken to heart by all governments. The group does not feel thatit should attempt to recommend specific research projscts. But itdoeslistthirteendifferent generallines ofresearchthatitthinksshould be supported. All these lines seem to be practical and worthy ofsupport. Eleven papers by specialists in the field ofgenetics appear in Part ? ofthe report. Most ofthese papers are excellent and deserve wide reading. WHO is to be congratulated and lauded for undertaking the task ofgetting world-wide opinion on one ofthe most important problems ofthe present time. Herluf H. Strandskov University ofChicago 378 Book Reviews Perspectives in Biology and Medicine · Spring 1959 ...